DGK Dog Blog

Most cats will stage a full protest the moment knitwear enters the picture - but for hairless breeds like the Sphynx, post-surgery recovery cases, and senior cats with thinning coats, a well-fitted sweater isn't a novelty, it's a genuine welfare tool. DogGoneKnit.com walks through exactly when feline winter wear is...

Most dogs pant. Most of the time, it means nothing. But panting is also one of the first signs of heatstroke, heart failure, and severe pain - and those look almost identical to normal cooling behavior until they don't. This article covers the full range of causes, from routine thermoregulation...

Dog biting - whether it's a puppy nipping or an adult dog snapping - is a behavior problem that gets worse when it's ignored. This article walks through the real causes behind biting, from poor bite inhibition in puppies to fear and frustration triggers in adult dogs, and lays out...

Wood chewing is one of the most common - and most misunderstood - destructive behaviors in dogs. This article breaks down the biological and behavioral reasons behind it, from teething and Pica to anxiety and boredom, and explains the real medical risks that most owners don't think about until something...

Aran sweaters look great on dogs. Louise Bollanos at Handy Little Me designed this one with Irish moss stitch and cables. It takes some skill, but the result is worth it - this is one of the better-looking dog sweater patterns out there. Three sizes, adjustable for length and chest...

Most free dog sweater knitting patterns are sized for small dogs. The ones that do include larger sizes tend to use neck and chest measurements that don't match real dogs - fit a large-breed dog's chest and the neck droops; fit the neck and the sweater pulls down around the...

DROPS Design built the Snuggle Berry to work from the tail up to the neck. It's a different approach from most dog sweater patterns, which start at the neck. Whether it actually fits better is debatable - but it does work. Four sizes, from Chihuahua to small Boxer. Uses DROPS...

Seams are annoying. Taryn at Calico Radio designed the Edinburgh sweater to be completely seamless - worked from neck to tail with a single piece of yarn. No sewing up at the end. It's a beginner pattern with six sizes, and the raglan construction makes it adaptable to different dog...

Darby's original cable sweater was great, but it didn't fit a 5-pound dog. Autumnblossomknits sized it down. It works. The cable runs down the back. It's a single cable, not a complicated Aran panel - clean and classic without being fussy. How it's built The sweater uses 2x2 ribbing at...

Tiny dogs are notoriously hard to fit. Most commercial patterns bottom out at "XS" and still swamp a 4-pound dog. Connie at Hartwood Roses built this ribbed sweater specifically for Winnie - a tiny dog with an 11-inch chest and a 9-inch back length. If you have a Chihuahua or...

Small dogs get cold fast. This Wunderlabel pattern fixes that with a top-down knit that works up quickly in chunky yarn. The pompoms are optional, but they're the part everyone notices. It's a beginner project, and it's festive. Good for holiday knitting or just for a dog who needs a...

Aura Guignard put together this beginner pattern for cats and small dogs. It works up in the round. And she included a full YouTube tutorial, which makes a real difference if you're newer to knitting in the round. Six sizes. Beginner-friendly. Video included. It's a solid starting point. How it's...

Looking for a free dog jacket knitting pattern that actually works for older dogs? DogGoneKnit.com reviews Luna’s Jacket - a sideways-knit design specifically built for dogs with arthritis or stiff joints who struggle with traditional sleeves. Wrestling an arthritic dog into a sweater isn’t fun. They pull back. You try...

Effective dog training relies on positive reinforcement to build a reliable bond between you and your pet through rewards rather than punishment. By immediately marking desirable behaviors with treats, praise, or play, you encourage your dog to repeat those actions willingly. This science-based approach at DogGoneKnit focuses on clear communication...

Every dog has its unique needs. And much more is a dog that suffers from being immobilized. And if you care deeply and treat the dog as a very close member of your immediate family, then you can manifest your compassion by giving your dog the best dog wheelchair that...

If your dog is eating feces, known clinically as coprophagia, the behavior can stem from nutritional gaps, medical conditions, anxiety, or deeply ingrained instinct, and stopping it usually requires more than one approach. DogGoneKnit breaks down the root causes behind this common but distressing habit alongside practical, vet-informed strategies including...

Dog arthritis is a degenerative disease in which the joints have became inflammed, causing chronic soreness, swelling in the joints and as well , reduced mobility. At last count, from a study by Pfizer Animal Health, approximately 8 million adult dogs in the United States may be suffering with this...

Learning how to install a doggie door allows you to provide your pet with independent access to the outdoors while maintaining your home's security and energy efficiency. This process involves measuring your pet for clearance, cutting an accurate opening, and securely mounting the frame using the expert DIY techniques provided...

Pet accessories are an important part of taking care of your dog. Typically we tend to use accessories to accentuate the wonder of things. When it comes to pet care accessories are used to guard your pet from harmful elements.  You'll conjointly gain a heap of satisfaction from buying accessories...

Did you know that puppy bladder infections are very common?  It's easy to miss a puppy urinary tract infection, simply because puppies do tend to piddle a lot.  But if you're having trouble housetraining your puppy, and she can't seem to hold her urine for more than a few minutes,...

Anyone who has ever gotten a dog dreads the beginning of obedience training. No one wants their dog to misbehave so that leads us to find a way to train our dogs to be obedient. You may be a little hesitant for fear of not training the dog correctly. In...

When potty training puppies, many folks become frustrated at the whole process in general. Mistakes can happen quite often as most puppies are still getting used to the way the world operates. Therefore, getting frustrated is understandable. But the one thing that most people don't realize is that a big...

A growing number of communities are organizing dog parks for local pet owners. There are areas designed for exercise and areas designed for socialization. Some of these parks are organized by a consortium of dog owners who just want to provide designated spaces for their pets to roam freely. In...

You may have asked yourself before, why does my dog bark? Do you feel like your dog is barking more than normal or more than she should be? Do you feel like your dog is always barking a lot and getting upset over things? Itâ€â„¢s important to learn the why...

Most people who have had a pet with separation anxiety problems will nearly all agree that it can be an agonizing and stressful time for both of you. There are a few “myths” that surround the topic of dog separation anxiety and it is very important that you, the pet...

As the title says, The Ultimate House Training Guide is the last word on house training your  puppy or dog. In its 120 pages, the book covers everything you will ever need to know about house training and caring for your new puppy. In addition to house training, this guide...

Best Dog Training CourseTo stop puppy biting, we must think about the following: puppies are always learning about their environment and their mouth is a means of investigating â€â€œ equivalent to our hands, so there will be chewing and mouthing.  also, until their adult teeth come in, puppies will inevitably...

For more concrete results in your Boston Terrier training, you will need to start with positive reinforcement to achieve making this handsome animal into an unforgettable companion. The Boston Terrier is a highly intelligent, well-muscled and compact dog breed who is capable of a special level of devotion to its...

  Some types of dog barking, for instance- when your dog barks to warn you about a stranger, or when he is greeting or playing with you and barks,  aren't big problems and don't need correction-maybe just a command to stop if if gets out of hand. If your dog...

When it comes to a pet's eating needs, an Elevated Feeding Station could be a good choice for your dog. In fact, you might try to use one whenever possible, as their height helps in preventing something called bloat. Bloat is a potentially life-threatening medical issue that's second only to...

Boston Terrier Breeders Dogs VideoThere is a reason the Boston Terrier is a popular dog in the United States. Heâ€â„¢s a sweet, cute canine that enjoys the attention he derives from his human friends. General Appearance and Description The Boston Terrier is an intelligent and mannered dog. They are gentle...

The massive pet food recall of 2007 had millions of dog owners terrified that they had unwittingly been poisoning their beloved pets. If you and your dog survived that frightening time, you have undoubtedly been more careful in your choice of dog food ever since. But how is the average...

Yorkshire Terriers are known for their compact and athletic builds. Yorkies have a flat head with a dark nose and short muzzle. Their average weight is about 7-8 pounds and their height between 6 and 8 inches. They are an intelligent dog breed, but they can also be a little...

Dog coats for style and fashion are all the rage these days. Any owner worth his or her salt will own a Dogs Coats or two for their beloved pooch. In many cases, they serve a utilitarian purpose, but some are just made for whimsy and a desire for a...

A key part of training your dog is to teach him to not jump up on people. Puppies often show their excitement by jumping. As it puppy, it may not seem like a big deal. However, when the puppy grows up, it is a much bigger issue. When a big...

It can be very traumatic to be faced with the dreadful situation of giving away your beloved dog. Of course, nobody adopts a pet with the intention of giving it away. But often our life changes paths, sometimes unexpectedly, and we are forced to find our dear dog a new...

Dog aggression is natural. Dogs evolved this trait over centuries to survive in the wild. Selective breeding and domestication processes have lessened and refined dog aggression. Read on to learn about why dogs behave aggressively. What is the cause of dog aggression? Factors such as lack of exposure to other...

Puppies need a different nutritional diet than that of adult dogs. Their coat, bones, organs, and teeth are still maturing. The foods they eat must have an ample supply of nutrients to support their growth. Remember the difference in energy levels there come from puppies as compared to older dogs....

The speed at which a puppy puts on weight varies depending upon the breed of dog and whether or not it receives enough exercise or food. There are general puppy weight estimates you can use as a guideline for raising your puppy, however if you suspect that your puppy is...

The DogGoneKnit.com mascots - Rhubarb, Shepherd and Pixie - were all crate trained and we're huge fans of the practice. Read this post, learn from it, implement it and then love it. We'd also love to see photos of your new puppy, so please email them to us and make...

We've talked a lot on DGK about crazy dog costumes over the years, but we've never seen dog beds that have made us do a double-take. Sasquatch Pet Beds - we definitely love the company name - have introduced, among other things, Croc Dog beds. Featuring not the skin of...

First up in our 2008 Dog Halloween Costume competition is Kaiser, the Great Dane/Yellow Lab cross, and his display of canine Elvis Impersonation abilities. Kaiser and his Mommy Kate live in Belleville, Ontario and apparently his penchant for Presley began at a young age. He ain't nothin' but a... Great...

There are only 2 weeks left before Halloween 2008, but that is plenty of time to hold our second Dog Halloween Costume Contest! You may remember that LilliBelle won last year's prize - a $50 Amazon Gift Certificate - for her turn as Princess Jasmine from Aladdin. We also saw...

The detail of the practical knitting instructions which pepper this pattern really impressed us. It's a very good example for someone looking to knit their very first attempt at a medium-sized dog sweater. The author, "Midnight Knitter", is obviously trying to help his or her fellow needle knasher. "If you...

Less than a month until the new Indiana Jones movie is released, and we here at DGK are beyond excited. It's expected that Indy and his new sidekick, Mutt Williams, are going to be the hot tickets for Halloween costumes this year. It's no surprise then that a new Indiana...

They aren't wearing any sweaters in this flick (only Roots shirts that we picked up at Petcetera), but the DGK mascots, Shepherd and Rhubarb, are all kinds of cute as they frolic through the mud for your enjoyment. Their Grandmother is currently knitting up a storm for the new additions...

For the perfect dog sweater fit, it is said that owners must measure their pooch from the base of the neck to the base of the tail. Measured in inches, the result will be the best choice of size for your specific friend. If you'd like to take it a...

This dog sweater crochet pattern is ideal for small or toy breeds, but can also be added on to as a larger dog grows into a full size dog. This means one sweater can fit your special pooch from puppyhood to maturity! Since the pattern is scalable, it can also...

Although we surely like to knit dog sweaters here at DogGoneKnit.com, it has always been for pooches belonging to our friends. Shocking, we know. For whatever the reasons - location, allergies, cats who got there first, etc. - we've never had a canine to proudly call our own. Those days...

Hello everyone, and we hope your Holidays were safe and happy for you and yours. When we started DogGoneKnit.com way back in 2002, we never dreamed it would reach the traffic levels it enjoys today. From the feedback we receive it is apparent that while many people enjoy the site...

 Just when you thought you were safe from dog costumes, we found a lovely Christmas dog costume to post! Best wishes to all our readers in 2008 which will be a big year for DogGoneKnit.com. We'll be rolling out our long-awaited dog sweater forum among many other updates and improvements....

Voting ended back in the first week of November and at the time the contest closed LiliBelle was the clear winner. We took some time to investigate claims from people that the voting was somehow negatively influenced and I have been traveling for a good part of the month. As...

Voting for the dog Halloween costume contest is now officially closed and we'll formally announce a winner shortly. Like any good voting event, there's been a wee bit of controversy that we're still addressing. We are grateful to everyone involved for making this such a success and are already planning...

The moment is upon us - it is time to vote for your favorite dog Halloween costume! The polls will be open until Tuesday, November 6th to give everyone lots of time to participate. Good luck to everyone on your quest for a $50 Amazon gift certificate! [poll=2]

Nothing quite says "It's Halloween" than having a giant, hairy spider on your head. It seems like little Tagen is having little problem taking her pictured arachnoid issue in stride. Her proud owner, Paul, tells us more. This is my baby girl Tagen. She is only 3 so of course...

As the dog Halloween costume contest comes to a close this week, we have just a few more entries to get out the door. Next up is Piper who is emulating her favorite Native American Princess, Pocahontas. I especially like the little wooden bow and embroidered tee pee myself. Her...

Lily's costume seems to come to us from a galaxy far, far away - but it's top notch and hilarious. Her owner Maggie was quick to point out that "She didn't need the ear pieces that came with the costume!" The costume is obviously meant to be Yoda from the...

Most dog costumes strive to personify a pooch, but others pay tribute to fellow members of the animal Kingdom. And I'm not talking about a Boston terrier deciding to leave the dog house dressed up as Lassie. Far from it - we're talking jumping species here. For example - Mattie's...

The submissions are trickling in, and we'll be posting entries every other day or so in order to allow plenty of time for voting. First up, Denise has sent in a picture of cute little LiliBelle who is dressed as Princess Jasmine from the Disney movie Aladdin. I'll let Dense...

The folks over at Mashable.com have compiled a comprehensive list of their top 25 pet-related sites. Whether you're looking to share photos, organize dog walkers or discuss your pets with other owners of the same species or breed - you'll definitely find something here to your liking. We were especially...

Joan from Texas offered a long description of dog Halloween costumes that she has prepared for her pets in years gone by and so I got to wondering - How many of our other readers might have pictures laying around of their pets in spooky getups? So email us your...

If you're as excited as me that there is going to be a fourth Indiana Jones movie, the title of this post will likely make perfect sense to you. Indy always tried to keep the genesis of his nickname under wraps, usually extremely unsuccessfully. But most pooches and their owners...

All Hallow's Eve is just 12 short weeks away. Have you consulted Rover as to what he wants to dress up as this year? Chuckle if you like, but Halloween costumes for dogs have become big scary business in the last several years. Many major online pet retailers are stocking...

I can't figure out if this video is cute or borderline animal cruelty. All I know for sure is that if I were Lucy, I'd associate this sweater with having my legs ripped out of their sockets and bite any approaching bugger who ever tried to put it on me...

You'll have to register at Bernat.com to get access to this sweater pattern, but other than that it's 100% free. A bright and bold fun striped dog coat to crochet. The coat visible in the image is designed with knitting worsted weight yarn. Let us know how you do with...

I emailed Esther a few years ago and asked if I could use her popular pattern on this site. She politely declined my request, but it's still a great resource and I want to point it out to everyone. The story goes, she was frustrated at the lack of a...

Wylie was a well-loved pooch whose owner built a tribute page for him which features a great and simple knitting pattern for everyone to enjoy. If you've been looking for a good Chihuahua sweater pattern, keep reading: "This sweater was inspired by, and designed for him. At one point he...

Don't select a sweater based on size alone - there are many other factors you should take into consideration when selecting a pattern. There's a great list from eHow.com on the subject. Here are a few of our favorite tips: 1. Understand that sweaters are not just a silly accessory....

Could it be true? Could this self-described Dog Sweater Pattern Generator actually work? It seems like a lofty claim, but we had some degree of success generating custom descriptions based on measurements that we entered - and it will even mention the name of your dog in the results. Print...

If you sometimes see your dog out of the corner of your eye and mistake it for a cockroach or hamster, you may want to have a look at this pattern. It's described as a 'Cabled Jacket' and looks as though it is suitable for beginners. If you've seen similar...

As we took our time getting the new site design and functionality implemented (hey, we're only a year late,) many folks took the time to link to us. We've received a lot of traffic from these silent partners, and we wanted to make sure all our visitors know about them...

DogGoneKnit's old friend, Bonnie, was nice enough to send in this photo of Greta wearing her lovely new pink wrap! Bonnie says she knit this in about 2 days and that it's a great pattern for beginners and accomplished knitters alike. I think you'll agree, she looks very fashionable -...

It's been a very long time coming, but we've finally gotten around to redesigning the site! Please bear with us as we fine tune and build out new pages over the next few weeks. Our new goal is to build a community in which you - the user - can...